A BARRY pilot has deployed on his first tour in Helmand Province, Afghanistan with the Joint Aviation Group.

Welsh Royal Air Force (RAF) officer, flight lieutenant Nick Carter, 31, is currently deployed on Operation Herrick for five months as a personnel support officer.

The former student of Swansea University student grew up in Llanbradach and is normally based at MOD St Athan, which is the home of the Defence Aircraft Repair Agency (DARA).

His role, on his first operational tour, as the officer commanding (OC) covers a wide range of duties and responsibilities.

Nick has a similar role working in the headquarters of the Joint Aviation Group (JAG), Camp Bastion where he oversees any human resources, discipline and welfare issues, and arranges media visits and tours in order to support personnel and the JAG operations.

Nick said: “I joined the RAF in 2009 having been influenced by my father who used to serve in the army. From a young age I wanted to be an officer in the forces in order to support and contribute to ongoing operations and taskings.

“I’ve learnt a lot so far on this tour, and have definitely become a better commander.”

Nick, who was born in Münster, German, enjoys keeping fit and plays rugby and Kickboxes for the RAF.

Although enjoying his deployment, he is missing his friends and family – his parents Meirion and Janice Carter who live in Penpedairheol, Rhymney Valleys, and his sister Rebecca Carter, 26.

“I’ve also really missed the creature comforts that you take for granted on a daily basis back home,” he said.